Chance to sign petition during NCT Action day

HIGH PEAK residents will be able to sign a petition showing their opposition to plans to close Corbar Birth Centre during an action day this weekend.

The action day, on Saturday, which has been organised by the National Childbirth Trust-led Save Corbar Birth Centre group and High Peak MP Andrew Bingham, will see petitions being available to sign across the High Peak throughout the day.

Speaking of the day, Andrew said: “I’ve helped organise this action day to build support against the possible closure of Corbar Birth Centre. I want the PCT to be aware of the strength of feeling there is in the High Peak, and I’m glad the NCT has agreed to help out with this day.

“I really hope a lot of peeple sign the petition, as Corbar is a vital facility not only for parents in Buxton, but for families across the High Peak.

“Anyone interested in helping us to get signatures on Saturday can email savecorbarbirthcentre@yahoo.co.uk to get involved.”

Petitions will be available to sign at Spring Gardens, Buxton, from 9.30am to 3.30pm; New Mills Town Centre from 9.30am to 1pm; Whaley Bridge, outside the Mechanics Institute from 9.30am to 1pm and Norfolk Square, Glossop from 9.30am to 1pm.

A separate morning is being organised at a later date for Chapel-en-le-Frith.

NHS Derbyshire County are considering closing the centre for births to make savings as new treatments and an ageing population put pressure on services.

But the Save Corbar Birth Centre group have raised fears that if Corbar was closed for births, the quality of antenatal and postnatal care for mothers and newborn babies would be reduced as alternative maternity services struggle to cope.

Local residents and parents have also voiced concerns over the distances and difficulties they would face if they had to use the birthing facilities at Stockport’s Stepping Hill Hospital or Macclesfield Hospital.

Members of the public will be able to get involved in an engagement process about the plans from August 1 and a final decision is expected in November.

The Darley Birth Centre in Darley Dale is also under threat as part of the plans.